Parting blade and blade holder configured for conveyance of pressurized coolant

ABSTRACT

A cutting tool assembly includes a parting blade and a blade holder for holding same. The cutting tool assembly is configured for conveying pressurized coolant via the holder to a cutting portion of the parting blade. The blade holder includes a deceleration chamber configured for reducing the impact of the pressurized coolant against the parting blade.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/375,631 filed Jul. 30, 2014,now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is: (1) a 371 US National Phase ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/IL2013/050126, filed Feb. 11,2013 and published as WO2013/132480A1 on Sep. 12, 2013, and also is (2)a Continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/482,761, filed May 29, 2012,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,788. Priority is also claimed to U.S. Ser. No.61/607,366, filed Mar. 6, 2012 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/738,865, filed Dec.18, 2012. The contents of the aforementioned applications areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present application relates to a cutting toolassembly configured for conveyance of coolant, in particular, a cuttingtool assembly comprising a parting blade and blade holder configured forconveyance of pressurized coolant to a cutting portion of the partingblade.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the name suggests, parting blades can be considered to have a ‘blade’shape. More specifically, parting blades can have narrow elongatedbodies, configured for metal-cutting operations, in particular partingand slitting operations. Such parting blades comprise a cutting portion.The cutting portion is associated with a cutting edge that could be partof a parting blade cutting insert that is detachably or permanentlymounted to an insert seat formed at the cutting portion, or,alternatively, the cutting edge could be integrally formed on the bodyof the parting blade itself.

Cutting tool assemblies of the type in question can be configured tohold parting blades along the periphery thereof, via the use of opposingjaws of a blade holder, which can typically be configured to allowsliding motion of the parting blade relative to the blade holder.

One known parting blade and blade holder are configured for conveyanceof pressurized coolant, at a pressure of less than about 20 bar, to coola cutting edge of a cutting insert mounted on the cutting portion of theparting blade. Such parting blade comprises two coolant passagewaysopening out to a single cutting portion of the parting blade fordirecting coolant at two different sides of a cutting insert mounted onthe blade.

It is known that cutting tool assemblies that convey coolant at apressure higher than they are designed for are susceptible to leakage ofthe coolant and/or damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the subject matter of the presentapplication, there is provided a blade holder comprising a holderpassageway. The holder passageway comprises a deceleration chamberassociated with a holder outlet aperture of the blade holder. Thedeceleration chamber is configured to reduce the speed of coolantconveyed therethrough.

One possible advantage of such deceleration is the reduction of impactof coolant exiting the holder outlet aperture on the parting blade.Reduced impact of coolant on a parting blade, in particular aperipherally held parting blade, can reduce the likelihood of leakage ofthe coolant.

One way that the deceleration chamber can be configured for suchreduction of speed, generally speaking, is by having a cross-sectionalarea or volume that is greater than a cross-sectional area or volume ofa preceding portion of the holder passageway. The relatively increasedcross-sectional area or volume, in theory, enables pressure reduction inthe deceleration chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the deceleration chamber can beconfigured for such reduction of speed by comprising a barrier surfacefacing the coolant path of the preceding portion of the holderpassageway. Deflection of coolant entering the deceleration chamber, inparticular deflection in a direction at least partially, or directly,opposing the entry direction of the coolant, can, in theory, reducespeed of coolant through the chamber.

More precisely, there is provided a blade holder comprising a bladeseat.

The blade seat can comprise a holder connection surface and longitudinaljaws disposed on opposing sides of the holder connection surface.

The blade holder can also comprise a holder passageway configured forconveyance of coolant and comprising a coolant path extendingtherethrough from a holder inlet aperture to a holder outlet apertureformed at the holder connection surface.

The holder passageway can comprise a preceding portion and adeceleration chamber closer than the preceding portion to the holderoutlet aperture, and a transition region at which the preceding portiontransforms into the deceleration chamber.

In the preceding portion at the transition region, the holder passagewayhas a preceding portion cross-sectional area extending perpendicular tothe coolant path.

In the deceleration chamber at the transition region, the holderpassageway has a deceleration chamber cross-sectional area extendingperpendicular to the coolant path. Wherein:

the deceleration chamber cross-sectional area is greater than thepreceding portion cross-sectional area; and/or the deceleration chambercomprises a barrier surface facing the coolant path of the precedingportion at the transition region.

In accordance with another aspect of the subject matter of the presentapplication, there is provided an elongated parting blade comprising:opposing first and second side surfaces extending between parallel firstand second longitudinal mounting edges and between opposing first andsecond end edges which extend transverse to the longitudinal mountingedges; a cutting portion which is associated with the first longitudinalmounting edge and the first end edge; and a blade passageway configuredfor conveyance of coolant and extending from a blade inlet apertureformed in at least one of the side surfaces to a single blade outletaperture located at the cutting portion.

In accordance with still another aspect of the subject matter of thepresent application, there is provided a cutting tool assembly thatincludes a parting blade and a blade holder for holding same.

It will be understood that the above-said is a summary, and that any ofthe aspects above may further comprise any of the features describedhereinbelow in general or in connection with the illustrated examples.Specifically, the following features, either alone or in combination,may be applicable to any of the above aspects:

-   -   A. The coolant can be of any suitable fluid type, for example        water, oil, or a mixture thereof.    -   B. The cutting tool assembly and components thereof can be        configured for conveyance of coolant at a pressure in excess of        20 bar. It will be understood that increased conveyance of fluid        can increase cooling, for example the cutting tool assembly and        components thereof can be configured for conveyance of coolant        at a pressure of 120 bar or greater.    -   C. The cutting tool assembly can be of a simple construction,        i.e. comprising a limited number of parts, for example as can be        counted in the description below.    -   D. The cutting tool assembly can be of a compact construction.        For example, the cutting tool assembly or components thereof can        have an elongated construction.    -   E. The number of turns of the flow path in the blade holder can        be a single turn. The number of turns of the flow path in the        parting blade can be a single turn. There can be a single turn        only where coolant enters the parting blade.    -   F. The holder outlet aperture can comprise a cross-sectional        area configured to maintain or further reduce the speed of the        coolant from the deceleration chamber. For example, the        cross-sectional area of the holder outlet aperture can        correspond to a cross-sectional area of the deceleration chamber        extending perpendicular to the coolant path adjacent the holder        outlet aperture. Alternatively, the deceleration chamber's        cross-sectional area, extending perpendicular to the coolant        path, could also increase with increased proximity to the holder        outlet aperture. Such increase could, in theory, further reduce        the speed of the coolant flow.    -   G. The blade holder can be configured to hold the parting blade        only along the periphery thereof.    -   H. The parting blade's body can be a unitary one-piece        construction (i.e. the term “body” excluding cutting inserts and        sealing devices).    -   I. The parting blade's blade outlet aperture can be a fixed        distance from the insert seat of the parting blade.    -   J. The parting blade's blade outlet aperture can be located at a        portion of the cutting portion that is closer to the first        longitudinal mounting edge than the first end edge.    -   K. A simplified production may be achieved when the parting        blade's blade passageway can have a uniform cross-sectional area        perpendicular to a coolant path extending therethrough.        Alternatively, the blade passageway can have maximum and minimum        cross-sectional areas. The maximum cross-sectional area can be        greater in magnitude and closer to the blade inlet aperture than        the minimum cross-sectional area. The magnitude of the maximum        cross-sectional area can be less than twice a magnitude of the        minimum cross-sectional area.    -   L. The parting blade can comprise an additional blade passageway        configured for conveyance of coolant extends from an additional        blade inlet aperture formed in at least one of the side surfaces        to an additional single blade outlet aperture formed at an        additional cutting portion.    -   M. The blade inlet aperture can open out to both of the first        and second side surfaces.    -   N. The parting blade can comprise a sealing aperture adjacent to        the blade inlet aperture that opens out to both of the first and        second side surfaces.    -   O. The parting blade can comprise an additional cutting portion.        The additional cutting portion can be associated with the second        longitudinal mounting edge and the second end edge.    -   P. The parting blade can be symmetrical about a bisecting plane        extending parallel with and equally spaced from the first and        second side surfaces. The parting blade can have 180 degrees        rotational symmetry about a blade axis that extends through the        center of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the first and        second side surfaces.    -   Q. The parting blade can have mirror symmetry about a lateral        plane extending perpendicular to the first and second side        surfaces and located midway between the opposing first and        second end edges. Such construction can result in a double-ended        parting blade which is not rotationally symmetric about a blade        axis that extends through the center of, and in a direction        perpendicular to, the first and second side surfaces.    -   R. The parting blade's first and second side surfaces can be        planar.    -   S. A width W_(Y) of the blade passageway may be greater than        50%, or even 64%, of a width W_(P) of the parting blade        (W_(Y)>0.5 W_(P); W_(Y)>0.64 W_(P)). It will be understood that        greater coolant flow may be advantageous in cooling. In some        embodiments the width W_(Y) of the blade passageway may be less        than 70% of the width W_(P) of the parting blade (W_(Y)<0.7        W_(P)) which may provide structural strength to a parting blade.    -   T. In some embodiments to provide a significant deceleration,        the deceleration chamber's cross-sectional area can be at least        1.5 times as large as the preceding portion's cross-sectional        area. It will be understood that increasing a deceleration        chamber's volume or cross sectional area(s) can increase        deceleration of coolant. The deceleration chamber's        cross-sectional area can be at least 2 times as large, or even,        in accordance with one tested embodiment, at least 2.6 times as        large as the preceding portion's cross-sectional area. For the        purpose of the specification and claims, unless stated to the        contrary, discussion of cross-sectional areas of the passageways        relates to cross-sectional areas that are perpendicular to the        flow path therethrough.    -   U. The deceleration chamber can open out to the holder outlet        aperture.    -   V. The coolant path of the blade holder can comprise a change of        direction from the holder inlet aperture to the holder outlet        aperture. The change of direction from the holder inlet aperture        to the holder outlet aperture can be a quarter turn. The change        of direction from the holder inlet aperture to the holder outlet        aperture can occur at the deceleration chamber. The change of        direction can be the only change of direction of the coolant        path of the blade holder.    -   W. The holder outlet aperture can have a holder outlet        cross-sectional area extending perpendicular to the coolant path        and having the same magnitude as an exit cross-sectional area of        the deceleration chamber that extends perpendicular to the        coolant path at a point along the coolant path after the change        of direction.    -   X. The holder connection surface can be formed with a sealing        element recess that surrounds the holder outlet aperture. A        sealing element can be mounted in the sealing element recess.        One or more of (a) the sealing element recess, (b) a sealing        element configured to fit in the sealing element recess, and (c)        the holder outlet aperture can be elongated along a longitudinal        direction of the blade holder, and can be preferably oval        shaped.    -   Y. Defined between the sealing element recess and the holder        outlet aperture can be a holder outlet aperture wall. Such wall        can, possibly, protect the sealing element above certain        pressures.    -   Z. A sealing element mounted in a sealing element recess can be        configured to simultaneously contact all surfaces of the sealing        element recess.    -   AA. A sealing element mounted in a sealing element recess can        have a cross sectional dimension equal to a recess distance,        which is measurable between an outer peripheral surface and an        inner peripheral surface thereof.    -   BB. A sealing element mounted in the sealing element recess can        have a cross sectional dimension larger than a recess distance,        which is measurable between an outer peripheral surface and an        inner peripheral surface thereof.    -   CC. A sealing element mounted in the sealing element recess can        have a normally circular cross-section, in an uncompressed state        thereof.    -   DD. A sealing element when mounted in a sealing element recess,        can comprise a projecting portion which projects in a direction        away from the holder connection surface.    -   EE. A recess depth of the sealing element recess can be about        78% of a sealing element diameter.    -   FF. A sealing element mounted in the sealing element recess can        project sufficiently therefrom to tilt the parting blade from a        parallel orientation relative to the holder connection surface.    -   GG. A smallest dimension of the deceleration chamber can extend        from the transition region to the barrier surface. It will be        understood that with reduction of said dimension, the effect of        the barrier surface may be increased. A change in direction of        the coolant path can be caused by deflection of the coolant path        at the barrier surface.    -   HH. The cutting tool assembly can be configured for movement of        the parting blade in the blade holder that is restricted by        location of the sealing element and the parting blade. The        movement can be restricted to a location(s) of one or more        sealing apertures of the parting blade.    -   II. The cutting tool assembly can comprise a removable sealing        device for each sealing aperture formed in the blade.    -   JJ. The cutting tool assembly can be free of a clamping element        configured to force the parting blade against the holder        connection surface.    -   KK. The longitudinal jaws can be the outermost portions of the        blade holder in an outward direction from the holder connection        surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the subject matter of the presentapplication, and to show how the same may be carried out in practice,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cutting tool assembly including ablade holder, a parting blade, a cutting insert, and a sealing element;

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the cutting tool assembly of FIG.1, with internal elements relating to the coolant path shown in brokenlines;

FIG. 1C is an end view of the cutting tool assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 1D is the same end view as FIG. 1C schematically showing in brokenlines the parting blade tilted from a parallel orientation relative to aholder connection surface of the blade holder;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the parting blade in FIGS. 1A to 1C, withinternal elements relating to the coolant path being shown;

FIG. 2B is an end view of the parting blade in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a plan view of the parting blade in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the blade holder in FIGS. 1A to 1C, excludingone of the longitudinal jaws and with some internal elements shown inbroken lines;

FIG. 3B is a cross section view taken along line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of an encircled portion in FIG. 3B, furtherincluding a sealing element mounted thereto; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a similar portion of a blade holder toFIG. 3C, except with an alternative sealing arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to the figures, which illustrate a cutting toolassembly 10 configured for parting or slitting a metal workpiece (notshown) which will first be briefly described to provide a generalunderstanding of the operation thereof.

The cutting tool assembly 10 comprises a blade holder 12 and a partingblade 14 mounted thereon.

The blade holder 12 comprises a holder passageway 16 for passage ofcoolant therethrough.

The holder passageway 16 extends from a holder inlet aperture 18 to aholder outlet aperture 20, and comprises a preceding portion 21 and adeceleration chamber 22 that is closer than the preceding portion 21 tothe holder outlet aperture 20. It will be understood that the precedingportion 21 and deceleration chamber 22 are configured relative to oneanother so that fluid entering the holder inlet aperture 18 decreases invelocity by the time it exits at the holder outlet aperture 20.

The holder inlet aperture 18 is connectable to a coolant supply pipe(not shown), which in turn is connected to a coolant supply source (notshown). The cutting tool assembly 10 is configured, in this example, forconveyance of coolant at pressures of at least 20 bar, for example up to120 bar. However, it will be understood that the subject matter of thepresent application could be configured for conveyance of coolant ateven higher than 120 bar. It will also be understood that a cutting toolassembly or components thereof, which are configured to operate withcoolant above a certain pressure threshold system (for example athreshold above 20 bar) could also work at pressures lower than suchthreshold, if desired.

The holder outlet aperture 20 is in fluid communication with a bladepassageway 24 of the parting blade 14.

The blade passageway 24 extends from a blade inlet aperture 26 to ablade outlet aperture 28 located at a cutting portion 30 of the partingblade 14.

The cutting portion 30 can comprise an insert seat 32, configured forreceiving a cutting insert 34.

The cutting insert 34 comprises a cutting edge 36 at an intersection ofa rake surface 38, over which chips (not shown) from a cut workpiece(not shown) flow, and relief surface 40 thereof. As shown in FIG. 1C,the cutting edge 36 is wider than a width W_(B) of a remainder of theparting blade 14, or at least the portion thereof that projects from theblade holder 12, for achieving slitting and/or parting operations.

Drawing attention to FIGS. 3A to 3C, in operation, coolant (not shown)is conveyed to the holder inlet aperture 18, for example at a pressureof 120 bar, which follows a coolant path 42 defined by the holderpassageway 16 and the blade passageway 24. For ease of description, thecoolant path 42 is divided into a first path portion 42A defined by theholder passageway 16, and a second path portion 42B (FIGS. 1B and 2A)defined by the blade passageway 24.

The holder passageway 16, and hence first path portion 42A, extends in afirst direction, shown by the arrow designated as 44, and then, at alocation generally designated by arrow 46, turns a certain amount, whichin this non-limiting example is a quarter turn, and extends in a seconddirection, shown by the arrow designated as 48, and exits the holderoutlet aperture 20.

As coolant exits the holder outlet aperture 20, it impacts one of theblade side surfaces 50A, 50B of the parting blade 14, in particular thecloser blade side surface 50A, and is contained within the boundaries ofa sealing element 52 (FIG. 3C), which surrounds the holder outletaperture 20 and sealingly engages the closer blade side surface 50A.

Notably, the coolant decelerates upon reaching the deceleration chamber22, thereby reducing the above-mentioned impact on the parting blade 14.It is understood that such impact applies a force on the parting blade14 which, if great enough in magnitude, could space the proximal bladeside surface 50A apart from an opposing holder connection surface 54, aswell as the associated sealing element 52, and cause undesired leakageof the coolant. Accordingly, deceleration of the coolant in thedeceleration chamber 22 is configured to reduce the force applied to theparting blade 14.

After exiting the blade holder 12, the coolant follows the second pathportion 42B, i.e. entering the blade inlet aperture 26, exiting theblade outlet aperture 28, passing above the rake surface 38 of thecutting insert 34 in a direction towards the cutting edge 36, forcooling the cutting edge 36 and/or the workpiece (not shown) being slitor parted.

Components of the cutting tool assembly 10 will now be described infurther detail to provide additional understanding of advantagesthereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C and 3A, the blade holder 12 is elongated. Itwill be understood that such elongation can provide for, in an end viewthereof (FIG. 1C) a compact design.

To elaborate, as best shown in FIG. 1C, the blade holder 12 and sealingdevice 56 do not significantly protrude past the parting blade 14 in thedirection of arrow 58. More specifically, in this example, the bladeholder 12 protrudes past the parting blade 14, by a blade holder widthW_(B), which has an equivalent magnitude as that of the parting bladewidth W_(P). The outermost projecting part of the cutting tool assembly10 is the sealing device 56, which protrudes a width W_(SD) from theblade holder 12 of corresponding magnitude to the parting blade widthW_(P). To bring the widths into perspective, in the present example thesealing device protrudes 4.6 mm from the outermost surface 50B of theparting blade 14. For cutting tool assemblies 10 of similarconstruction, except with blades of different sizes, the parting bladewidth W_(P) is the only expected, significantly varying width of thosementioned. Accordingly, the maximum lateral projection of the cuttingtool assembly 10 from the outermost blade side surface 50B can beexpected to be less than 5 mm. The width W_(Y) (FIG. 2A) of the bladepassageway 24 (which may be a diameter, when the blade passageway 24 hasa circular cross-section) may be commensurate with the parting bladewidth W_(P). For example, in some embodiments, the width W_(Y) of theblade passageway 24 may be greater than 50%, or even 64%, of the widthW_(P) of the parting blade (W_(Y)>0.5 W_(P); W_(Y)>0.64 W_(P)). In someembodiments the width W_(Y) of the blade passageway 24 may be less than70% of the width W_(P) of the parting blade (W_(Y)<0.7 W_(P)).

It will be understood that a cutting tool assembly free of a protrudinglateral projection can, in at least some applications, allow anincreased lateral motion of the cutting tool assembly and hence cuttingrange thereof.

The blade holder 12 further comprises a blade seat 60 configured forseating the parting blade 14. The blade seat 60 can comprise the holderconnection surface 54 and first (“lower”) and second (“upper”)longitudinal jaws 62A, 62B disposed on opposing sides of the holderconnection surface 54.

The holder connection surface 54 can be planar to allow sliding motionof the parting blade 14 therealong. The holder connection surface 54 canfurther be formed with functional recesses. In particular, the holderconnection surface can be formed with a sealing element recess 64surrounding an associated holder outlet aperture 20. The holderconnection surface 54 can also be formed with a cutting insertaccommodation recess 166, for accommodating certain types of cuttinginserts mounted on a parting blade. In this example, the cutting insertaccommodation recess 166 has a U-shaped peripheral wall 168.

The sealing element recess 64 can be elongated, for example oval-shaped.Such elongation can allow movement of the parting blade 14 whilstmaintaining a coolant sealed construction. It will be understood that inconsideration of space constraints of the holder connection surface 54,the sealing element recess 64 could be other regular shapes, non-regularshapes, or even non-elongated shapes such as a circle etc.

One possible advantage of forming a sealing element recess on the holderconnection surface 54 instead of on the parting blade 14 or, stateddifferently, having planar first and second side surfaces 50A, 50B of aparting blade 14, can be that the relatively thin elongated partingblades are not weakened.

Drawing attention to FIG. 3C, the sealing element recess 64 can have anouter peripheral surface 66, an inner peripheral surface 68, and a basesurface 70 connecting the outer and inner peripheral surfaces 66, 68.

The sealing element 52 can be mounted in the sealing element recess 64.The sealing element 52 can have a corresponding shape to the sealingelement recess 64, which in this example is oval-shaped. The sealingelement 52 can be sized to be biased against the outer peripheralsurface 66 and base surface 70 of the sealing element recess 64. Thesealing element 52 can be sized to protrude from the holder connectionsurface 54, for contacting the parting blade 14. A gap 72, locatedbetween the sealing element 52 and one of the surfaces of the sealingelement recess 64, which in this example is the inner peripheral surface68, can allow for expansion of the sealing element 52 within the sealingelement recess 64. Such gap 72 can possibly prevent undesired spacing ofthe parting blade 14 in a direction away from the blade holder 12.

Defined between the inner peripheral surface 68 and the holder outletaperture 20 is a holder outlet aperture wall 74. The holder outletaperture wall 74 can protect the sealing element 52 from damagingpressurized coolant and/or direct coolant into the blade inlet aperture26.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative sealing arrangement on a blade holderdesignated as 12′. Blade holder 12′ differs from the previouslydescribed blade holder 12 in connection with the sealing arrangement. Ithas been found that the sealing arrangement in FIG. 4 can beparticularly effective in reducing or preventing undesired ejection of asealing element 52′ thereof from an associated sealing element recess64′.

In blade holder 12′, the sealing element recess 64′ comprises an outerperipheral surface 66′, an inner peripheral surface 68′, and a basesurface 70′. The sealing arrangement differs from the arrangement shownin FIG. 3C in that the sealing element 52′ simultaneously contacts allof the surfaces 66′, 68′, 70′ of the sealing element recess 64′ to whichit is mounted. The locations of the outer peripheral surface 66′, aninner peripheral surface 68′, and a base surface 70′ are configured toallow simultaneous contact with the sealing element 52′ when mounted tothe sealing element recess 64′.

While it is believed possible to use a sealing element (not shown)having a cross-sectional dimension exactly equal to a recess channeldistance S_(RD), which is measurable between the outer peripheralsurface 66′ and an inner peripheral surface 68′, the example sealingelement 52′ shown has a normally circular cross-section with a diameterS_(D) (not shown) slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimensionrecess channel distance S_(RD). Due to the slight compression thesealing element 52′ undergoes during mounting to the sealing elementrecess 64′, linear sections 53′ are shaped in the cross-section of FIG.4, where contact with the outer peripheral surface 66′ and innerperipheral surface 68′ is made. Accordingly, in a direction D_(P)perpendicular to the base surface 70′, the sealing element 52′ has adimension having a greater magnitude than the diameter S_(D) thereofwhen uncompressed. Similarly, in theory, upon engagement of the sealingelement 52′ with a parting blade (not shown), similar linear sectionswill occur where contact with the parting blade and contact with thebase surface 70′ occur.

Thus, the sealing arrangement in FIG. 4 is constructed such that aprojecting portion 55′ of the seal 52′ always projects a distance Sp inthe direction D_(P) from the holder connection surface 54′. Even whenthe sealing element 52′ is compressed by contact with a parting blade(not shown), such construction is believed to possibly be advantageousdue to the simplicity and cost effectiveness thereof, even though suchconstruction leaves a part of a sealing element in the expected flowpath P_(F) of pressurized fluid, which can be expected to damage suchsealing element. Indeed, upon testing a sealing element (not shown)having a diameter of 2.5 mm in a recess having a recess depth S_(R),measured in the direction D_(P), of 2.05 mm (i.e. the depth being 82% ofthe diameter of the uncompressed sealing element), the sealing elementindeed was damaged, the projecting portion thereof being completelyremoved. Even more surprising was the discovery that by increasing thesize of the projecting projection 55′ slightly, such damage did notoccur. In a successful test, a sealing element shown having a diameterof 2.5 mm in a recess having a recess depth S_(R) of 1.95 mm (i.e. thedepth being 78% of the diameter of the uncompressed sealing element),the sealing element was not found to show signs of wear. Accordingly, itis believed that a recess depth to sealing element diameter ratio ofabout 1.95:2.5, i.e. about 78%, can possibly provide a suitableconstruction.

In such testing it was also found that there was a remarkable sealformed, this being despite the fact that such construction does notprovide a void in a sealing element recess for the sealing element toexpand into. Such void allows pressurized fluid therein to compress thesealing element in a direction perpendicular to the direction D_(P) andexpand the sealing element further in the direction D_(P) (which wouldbe expected, in this application, to improve a sealing force between aparting blade and blade holder).

Notwithstanding that such construction can tilt a parting blade from adesired parallel orientation relative to the holder connection surface54′, machining results are believed to remain satisfactory.

Reverting to the remainder of the description, notably, the blade inletaperture 26 can be sized to correspond to an internal height dimensionH1 of the holder outlet aperture 20. More precisely, the blade inletaperture's 26 internal height dimension H2, which in this example isalso a diameter, can correspond in magnitude to the internal height H1of the holder outlet aperture 20, for allowing efficient coolanttransfer therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 1C, each of the first and second longitudinal jaws62A, 62B can comprise a slanted biasing surface 76A, 76B for biasing theparting blade 14, peripherally, against the holder connection surface54. Each of the first and second longitudinal jaws 62A, 62B can comprisea relief recess 78A, 78B located inward of the biasing surface 76A, 76B.

The first longitudinal jaw 62A can have a unitary construction with theremainder of the blade holder 12, except, in this example, with thesecond longitudinal jaw 62B.

The second longitudinal jaw 62B can be attached to the remainder of theblade holder 12 via at least one mounting bore 80 formed therein and inthe blade holder 12 and secured with a screw 82. Each mounting bore 80can be directed towards the deceleration chamber 22, as opposed to beingoriented in the direction of arrow 58, the latter of which might, insome circumstances, cause an unwanted protrusion of a screw portion pastthe parting blade 14. Each mounting bore 80 can be a blind bore,restricted in length so as not to open out to or weaken an associateddeceleration chamber 22. Additionally, each mounting bore 80 can belocated spaced-apart from the sealing element recess 64 (best shown inFIG. 3B). The second longitudinal jaw 62B can also comprise a jawsecuring surface 84, configured for being biased against a correspondingholder securing surface 86, for biasing the parting blade 14 against theholder connection surface 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3C, it is shown that the holder passageway16 can comprises a transition region 88 at which the preceding portion21 transforms into the deceleration chamber 22. Including the transitionregion 88, the deceleration chamber 22 has a length L_(D) along seconddirection 48.

One of the ways that the deceleration of coolant in the decelerationchamber 22 can occur can be a result of the deceleration chamber 22having a greater cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of thepreceding portion.

More precisely, the deceleration chamber 22 can comprise a decelerationchamber cross-sectional area A_(D1), extending perpendicular to thefirst path portion 42A of the deceleration chamber 22 at the transitionregion 88, which is greater than a preceding portion cross-sectionalarea A_(P) of the preceding portion 21 (which in this non-limitingexample is a circle) at the transition region 88. In this example, thedeceleration chamber cross-sectional area A_(D1) is rectangular having alength dimension L_(D) and a width dimension W_(D), and accordinglyfulfilling the condition L_(D)×W_(D)=A_(D1). While the design shownillustrates a deceleration chamber cross-sectional area A_(D1) having amagnitude about 2.6 times as large as the preceding portioncross-sectional area A_(P), it will be understood that a larger ratiowould also provide the desired effect. Similarly, in theory, a ratio of2:1 or a ratio at least greater than 1.5:1 is possibly feasible.

It will be understood that, referring to cross-sections perpendicular toa flow path, a cross-sectional area anywhere in the deceleration areawhich is greater than a cross-sectional area in the preceding portioncould provide deceleration. However, a relatively greatercross-sectional area of the deceleration chamber 22 at the transitionregion 88 may be advantageous. In theory:

-   -   a relatively greater cross-sectional area of the deceleration        chamber 22 at the transition region 88 may complement        deceleration at the barrier surface 90;    -   deceleration at the start of the deceleration chamber 22 may        decelerate the flow to a velocity which, even if there is an        increase in velocity at a later section of the deceleration        chamber 22, does not provide sufficient time for the flow to        increase to the velocity of the preceding portion 21; stated        differently, cross sectional areas in the deceleration chamber        22 subsequent to the preceding portion 21 may all be smaller        than the cross-sectional area thereat; alternatively, even if        the deceleration chamber 22 would have a cross-sectional area        corresponding in size to the preceding portion 21, the        deceleration chamber 22 may be sized such that flow does not        increase to the velocity of the preceding portion 21 (e.g.        sufficiently short in length in a direction of the flow path).

It will also be understood that, without specifying cross sections, thedeceleration chamber 22 can be shaped (e.g. by having a larger volume orcross section than the preceding portion 21) to decelerate fluid fromthe preceding portion 21. It is also noted that the width dimensionW_(D) has a greater magnitude than the length dimension L_(D),facilitating a possibly advantageous range of movement of the partingblade 14.

It is also noted that, in this example, the holder outlet aperture 20comprises an identical cross-sectional area to the deceleration chamber22. More precisely, a cross-sectional area of the holder outlet aperture20 can correspond to a cross-sectional area of the deceleration chamber22 extending perpendicular to the coolant path 42, 42A adjacent(generally designated with arrow 23) the holder outlet aperture 20.

Another way in which the deceleration of coolant in the decelerationchamber 22 can occur can be a result of the deceleration chamber 22comprising a barrier surface 90 facing the first path portion 42A of thecoolant path in the preceding portion 21 at the transition region 88. Intheory, deflection of coolant in a direction against the first direction44, and in this example, in an opposite direction to the first direction44, can reduce the speed of coolant entering the deceleration chamber22. It will be understood that increased proximity of the barriersurface 90 to the preceding portion 21 at the transition region 88 couldresult in a greater reduction of speed. In this example it is noted thatthe deceleration chamber 22 is configured with the smallest dimensionthereof (H_(D)) extending from the preceding portion 21 at thetransition region 88 to the barrier surface 90. To bring perspective tothe proximity in the present example, it is noted that such heightH_(D), in this example is 2.5 mm. Such height H_(D) could be increased,for example, for this particular design up to 3 mm, however at distancesgreater than 3 mm significant constructional modifications may berequired. It will be understood that the height dimension H_(D) of thedeceleration chamber 22 at the transition region 88 may be the same asthe internal height dimension H1 of the holder outlet aperture 20,though it is possible that they may differ slightly.

It will be understood that a combination of both construction conceptsabove, each being configured in achieving deceleration of coolant in adifferent way, can, possibly, provide greater deceleration than one ofthe constructions alone.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 2A to 2C, the parting blade 14 will bedescribed in more detail.

The parting blade 14 can be elongated with opposing planar first andsecond side surfaces 50A, 50B extending between parallel first andsecond longitudinal mounting edges 92A, 92B and between opposing firstand second end edges 94A, 94B which extend transverse to thelongitudinal mounting edges 92A, 92B.

Each of the first and second longitudinal mounting edges 92A, 92B canhave a tapered shape with slanted surfaces which can facilitatelongitudinal sliding motion relative to the blade holder 12.

The parting blade 14 can have 180 degrees rotational symmetry about ablade axis (A_(B)) which extends through the center of, and in adirection perpendicular to, the first and second side surfaces 50A, 50B.Such construction can allow a single parting blade to comprise more thanone cutting portion.

The parting blade 14 can be symmetrical about a bisecting plane P_(P)extending parallel with and equally spaced from the first and secondside surfaces 50A, 50B. Such construction can allow a single partingblade to be compatible for different cutting machines or cuttingapplications.

The parting blade 14 may have a lateral plane P3 which is perpendicularto the first and second side surfaces 50A, 50B, and is located midwaybetween the end edges 94A, 94B. In some embodiments (not shown), theparting blade may have mirror symmetry about the lateral plane P3, andthus be double-ended but not rotationally symmetric about theaforementioned blade axis (A_(B)).

In view of the above-mentioned symmetry, the following description willrelate to only one of the blade passageways 24 and the cutting portion30 associated therewith. Such symmetry is only intended to relate to thebody of the parting blade body itself and not associated non-integralcomponents such as cutting inserts (wherein typically only one ismounted at any given time to allow greater range of motion of theparting blade) or sealing devices, which are only needed in one of theplurality of possible positions therefor at a given time. The cuttingportion 30 described below is the one associated with the firstlongitudinal mounting edge 92A and the first end edge 94A.

In this example, the blade inlet aperture 26 opens out to both the firstand second side surfaces 50A, 50B.

To prevent coolant (not shown) exiting the blade inlet aperture 26 atthe second side surface 50B, the parting blade 14 is provided with asealing aperture 96 (FIG. 2A), which in this example is threaded, towhich the sealing device 56 (FIG. 1C) can be fastened.

The sealing device 56 can be a screw 98 and annular seal 100, the latterof which can be made of a rigid material, for example metal. The screw98 can extend through the annular seal 100 and can be fastened to thesealing aperture 96.

The sealing aperture 96 is adjacent to the blade inlet aperture 26, andthe annular seal 100 extends over and seals the blade inlet aperture 26to prevent coolant exiting therefrom.

The sealing device 56 can be configured to be detached from the partingblade 14 (in this example they are connected via threading), allowing itto be mounted to the other end of the same sealing aperture 96 or toanother sealing aperture of the parting blade 14, when needed.

It has been found that it can be advantageous to restrict the movementof the parting blade 14 in the blade holder 12, in accordance with thelocation of the sealing element and the parting blade. In particular, ithas been found that unrestricted motion of the parting blade 14,allowing one of the sealing apertures 96 to be disposed near or facingthe sealing element 52, can result in undesired deflection ofpressurized coolant. In theory, such deflection is believed to be causedby contact of the coolant with the sealing aperture 96 and/or thesealing device 56, onto the sealing element 52 causing damage thereto.

The blade passageway 24 has a uniform cross-sectional area perpendicularto the second path portion 42B which extends therethrough. One possiblyadvantageous construction of the blade passageway 24 can be productionof a straight first sub-passageway 102A, starting at a firstsub-passageway aperture 104 and extending to the blade inlet aperture26, and production of a straight second sub-passageway 102B, starting atthe blade outlet aperture 28 and extending to the first sub-passageway102A. The second sub-passageway 102B can intersect the firstsub-passageway 102A at an obtuse angle. The first sub-passagewayaperture 104 is subsequently sealed to ensure coolant is directed fromthe blade inlet aperture 26 to the blade outlet aperture 28.

The straight second sub-passageway 102B can be directed at a cuttingedge 36 associated with the cutting portion 30 and/or workpiece (notshown).

It has been found that application of pressurized coolant, in particularfor pressures above 20 bar, is more effective when a only singlepassageway 24 to an associated cutting portion 30 is utilized. It hasalso been found that directing coolant to the cutting edge 36, adjacenta rake face 38, as shown in FIG. 1B, is more effective than directingcoolant to the cutting edge 36, adjacent a relief surface 40 thereof.Accordingly, in the non-limiting example shown, the blade outletaperture 28 is located at a portion of the cutting portion 30 that iscloser to the first longitudinal mounting edge 92A than to the first endedge 94A.

While the example above relates to a blade passageway 24 with a uniformcross-sectional area, it will also be understood that it is possible todecrease the cross sectional area of the blade passageway 24 withincreased proximity to the cutting portion 30, with a different possibleadvantage of increasing the speed of coolant passing therethrough.However, it has been found that limiting a ratio of the magnitudes of amaximum cross-sectional area, closer to the blade inlet aperture, and aminimum cross-sectional area, closer to the blade outlet aperture, to2:1 or less can ensure maintenance the simple construction of theexemplified parting blade.

The description above includes an exemplary embodiment and details, anddoes not exclude non-exemplified embodiments and details from the claimscope of the present application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of cooling a cutting edge of a cuttinginsert mounted on a cutting portion (30) of an elongated parting blade(14) having a blade passageway (24) for conveyance of coolant from ablade inlet aperture (26) formed in a parting blade's first side surface(50A) to the cutting portion's blade outlet aperture (28), the methodcomprising: mounting the parting blade (14) in a blade holder (12)having a holder connection surface (54) facing the parting blade (14),the blade holder (12) further having a holder inlet aperture (18)connected to a holder outlet aperture (20) via a holder passageway (16),with the blade inlet aperture (26) in fluid communication with theholder outlet aperture (20); and conveying coolant into the holder inletaperture (16) at a pressure in excess of 20 bar, and through the holderpassageway (16) such that a velocity of the coolant is decreased by thetime it exits at the holder outlet aperture (20); and passing thecoolant from the holder outlet aperture (20) to the blade inlet aperture(26), through the blade passageway (24) and out the blade outletaperture (28) in a direction towards the cutting edge.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising: conveying coolant into the holderinlet aperture (16) at a pressure in excess of 120 bar.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising: connecting a coolant supply pipe tothe holder inlet aperture (18), prior to conveying coolant into theholder inlet aperture (16).
 4. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a sealing element (52) which surrounds the holderoutlet aperture (20), and sealingly engages parting blade's first sidesurface (50A) in which the blade inlet aperture (26) is formed.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising: mounting the sealing element(52) in a sealing element recess (64) formed in the blade holder'sholder connection surface (54) facing the parting blade's side surface(50A).
 6. The method according to claim 5, comprising: mounting thesealing element (52) such that it projects sufficiently from the sealingelement recess (64) to tilt the parting blade (14) from a parallelorientation relative to the holder connection surface (54).
 7. Themethod according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element (52) has across sectional dimension (S_(D)) larger than a recess channel distance(S_(RD)), which is measurable between an outer peripheral surface (66′)and an inner peripheral surface (68′) thereof.
 8. The method accordingto claim 1, comprising: passing the coolant above a rake surface (40) ofthe cutting insert, after the coolant exits the blade outlet aperture(28).
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the parting blade(14) has a second side surface (50B); the blade inlet aperture (26)opens out to both the first and second side surfaces (50A, 50B); theparting blade further comprises a sealing aperture (96); and the methodfurther comprises: covering the second blade inlet aperture (26) byfastening a sealing device (56) to the sealing aperture (96), to therebyprevent coolant from exiting the second blade inlet aperture (26). 10.The method according to claim 1, wherein: the blade holder (12) isconfigured to allow sliding motion of a parting blade (14) relative tothe blade holder (12); and mounting the parting blade (14) includespositioning the parting blade (14) with sliding movement restricted bythe location of the sealing element and the parting blade.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the blade holder further comprises a bladeseat (60) comprising a holder connection surface (54) and upper andlower longitudinal jaws (62A, 62B) disposed on opposing sides of theholder connection surface (54); the holder passageway (16) comprises apreceding portion (21) and a deceleration chamber (22) closer than thepreceding portion (21) to the holder outlet aperture (20), and atransition region (88) at which the preceding portion (21) transformsinto the deceleration chamber (22); in the preceding portion (21) at thetransition region (88), the holder passageway (16) has a precedingportion cross-sectional area A_(P) extending perpendicular to thecoolant path, wherein: the holder connection surface (54) is formed witha sealing element recess (64) that surrounds the holder outlet aperture(20); a sealing element (52) is mounted in the sealing element recess(64); in the deceleration chamber (22) at the transition region (88),the holder passageway (16) has a deceleration chamber cross-sectionalarea (A_(D1)) extending perpendicular to the coolant path, wherein: thedeceleration chamber cross-sectional area is greater than the precedingportion cross-sectional area; and/or the deceleration chamber (22)comprises a barrier surface (90) facing the coolant path of thepreceding portion (21) at the transition region (88).
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the deceleration chamber cross-sectionalarea (A_(D1)) is not greater than the preceding portion cross-sectionalarea (A_(P)).
 13. A method of passing coolant under pressure through acutting tool, comprising: providing an elongated parting blade (14)comprising: opposing first and second side surfaces (50A, 50B) extendingbetween parallel first and second longitudinal mounting edges (92A, 92B)and between opposing first and second end edges (94A, 94B) which extendtransverse to the longitudinal mounting edges; a cutting portion (30)which is associated with the first longitudinal mounting edge (92A) andthe first end edge (94A), and comprising an insert seat (32); and ablade passageway (24) configured for being in fluid communication with ablade outlet aperture (28) and for conveyance of coolant, the bladepassageway (24) extending from a blade inlet aperture (26) formed in atleast one of the side surfaces to a blade outlet aperture (28) locatedat the cutting portion (30); supplying coolant to the blade inletaperture (16) at a pressure in excess of 20 bar; and conveying thecoolant through the blade passageway (24) and out the blade outletaperture (28).
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of thefirst and second longitudinal mounting edges (92A, 92B) has a taperedshape with slanted surfaces for facilitating longitudinal slidingmotion.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the blade inletaperture (26) is closer to the second longitudinal mounting edge (92B)than to the first longitudinal mounting edge (92A); and the blade outletaperture (28) is closer to the first longitudinal mounting edge (92A)than to the second longitudinal mounting edge (92B).
 16. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the insert seat (32) is configured tohold the cutting insert with resilient seat jaws.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the parting blade is configured to directcoolant toward a cutting edge (36), and adjacent to a rake face (38), ofa cutting insert (34) retained by the parting blade.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein said conveyance of coolant to the bladeinlet aperture (16) is at a pressure of 120 bar or greater.
 19. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein a width W_(Y) of the bladepassageway (24) is greater than 50% of a width W_(P) of the partingblade (W_(Y)>0.5 W_(P)).
 20. The method according to claim 13, whereinthe blade outlet aperture (28) is located at a side of the insert seatthat is connected to the first longitudinal mounting edge (92A).
 21. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the parting blade is symmetricalabout a bisecting plane (P_(P)) extending parallel with and equallyspaced from the first and second side surfaces (50A, 50B).
 22. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein: the parting blade is double-endedand has either: 180 degrees rotational symmetry about a blade axis(A_(B)) that extends through the center of, and in a directionperpendicular to, the first and second side surfaces (50A, 50B), ormirror symmetry about a lateral plane (P3) extending perpendicular tothe first and second side surfaces (50A, 50B) and located midway betweenthe opposing first and second end edges (94A, 94B), and the partingblade is not rotationally symmetric about a blade axis that extendsthrough the center of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the firstand second side surfaces.
 23. The method according to claim 13, whereinthe parting blade further comprises a removable sealing device (56) forat least one sealing aperture formed in the parting blade, the sealingdevice (56) being configured to extend over and seal the blade inletaperture to prevent cooling from exiting therefrom.
 24. A method ofpassing coolant under pressure through a cutting tool, comprising:providing a blade holder (12) comprising: a blade seat (60) comprising aholder connection surface (54) and upper and lower longitudinal jaws(62A, 62B) disposed on opposing sides of the holder connection surface(54), and a holder passageway (16) configured for conveyance of coolantand comprising a coolant path (42) extending therethrough from a holderinlet aperture (18) to a holder outlet aperture (20) formed at theholder connection surface (54); characterized in that: the holderpassageway (16) comprises a preceding portion (21) and a decelerationchamber (22) closer than the preceding portion (21) to the holder outletaperture (20), and a transition region (88) at which the precedingportion (21) transforms into the deceleration chamber (22); in thepreceding portion (21) at the transition region (88), the holderpassageway (16) has a preceding portion cross-sectional area (Ap)extending perpendicular to the coolant path, wherein: the holderconnection surface (54) is formed with a sealing element recess (64)that surrounds the holder outlet aperture (20); a sealing element (52)is mounted in the sealing element recess (64); in the decelerationchamber (22) at the transition region (88), the holder passageway (16)has a deceleration chamber cross-sectional area (A_(D1)) extendingperpendicular to the coolant path, wherein: the deceleration chambercross-sectional area is greater than the preceding portioncross-sectional area; and/or the deceleration chamber (22) comprises abarrier surface (90) facing the coolant path of the preceding portion(21) at the transition region (88); supplying coolant to the holderinlet aperture (18) at a pressure in excess of 20 bar; and conveying thecoolant through the holder passageway (16) and out the holder outletaperture (20).
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the bladeholder (12) is configured to allow sliding motion of a parting blade(14) relative to the blade holder (12).
 26. The method according toclaim 24, wherein the sealing element (52) has a cross sectionaldimension (S_(D)) larger than a recess channel distance (S_(RD)), whichis measurable between an outer peripheral surface (66′) and an innerperipheral surface (68′) thereof.
 27. The method according to claim 24,wherein the deceleration chamber cross-sectional area (A_(D1)) is notgreater than the preceding portion cross-sectional area (A_(P)).
 28. Themethod according to claim 24, wherein the pressure conveyed to theholder inlet aperture (18) is 120 bar or greater.